Pointer FQM-151A
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System
The Pointer UAV is a low-cost UAV
System. Pointer can be hand-launched
and recovered in minutes without
special equipment on unprepared
terrain. All airborne and ground
equipment fit into 3 lightweight, manportable, containers.
Pointer Team with TQM Flag awarded in 1991 Over
200 aircraft have been built to date
A self-stabilizing Air Vehicle
configuration, with stability
augmentation avionics, provides ease
of control and steady video imagery.
Pointer is electric powered and it has
low visual, acoustic and thermal
signatures.
The system is designed for maximum durability and versatility at a minimum life cycle cost. The
low cost permits expendability, and when appropriate custom components or application specific
upgrades can be incorporated.
Pointer Project Milestones – 15 Years of Achievement
Year
2000
1995
1991
1990
1988
1986
Achievements
Pointer System Enhancements:
Ruggedized, Smaller GCU, Smaller IR
Thermal Imager, P(y) Code GPS
Receiver
Pointer Systems Upgrades:
Global Positioning System (GPS)
AutoNavigation Capability, Infrared
Thermal Imaging Camera Day/Night
Capability
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Flag for Manufacturing Excellence &
Customer Satisfaction received
from
the U.S. Naval Air System Command’s
Joint Project for UAVs
Pointer Systems Upgrades:
Color Camera and GEN II Night Vision
Camera, Forward & Side-look
Payload Options
First Systems Delivered for
Operation by US Marines
Pointer’s First Flight with Black &
White Camera.
Qty
1
1
1
3
1
Basic System Definition
Component
Ground Control Unit
Air Vehicle with Shipping Containers
Payload (Daylight Standard)
Batteries
Battery Charger
For additional information please contact: Lisa McKeeman
69 Moreland Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Tel: (805) 581-2187 ext 312 fax: (805) 584-9280 E-mail: mckeeman@aerovironment.com
Pointer Operating at Below freezing Conditions at
Mountain Home AFB, ID
February, 2001
Technical Specifications:
Air Vehicle System
Wingspan
Length
Nominal Weight
Gross Weight
Payload Capacity
Battery Weight
Dimension
108
72
8.5
10
2
2.2
Pointer UAV System’s Performance
fi Flight Duration
1 to 1.5 hours
(depending on
conditions)
fi Airspeed
22-50 mph
fi Patrol Radius
3-5 miles
Unit
Inches
Inches
Lbs
Lbs
Lbs
Lbs
Night Vision Capabilities Demo at Mountain Home, ID.
February, 2001
Training AeroVironment provides Basic
Marines based in Encino, CA using Pointer Avionics
Operator’s Training on customer’s site or at
AeroVironment’s Simi Valley facility.
Fundamentals of the Pointer System are learned
during a hands-on course, including safety checks,
O-Level maintenance, mission planning and flight
proficiency exercises. Advanced Mission Training
andFlight Instructor courses are also available.
Pointers can be successfully assembled, launched,
flown and recovered by operators with minimal
training and no-previous flight experience.
For additional information please contact: Lisa McKeeman
69 Moreland Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Tel: (805) 581-2187 ext 312 fax: (805) 584-9280 E-mail: mckeeman@aerovironment.com
Video Camera…………...
Daylight CCD Camera
Infrared Camera…………
Microbolometer Thermal Imaging
Sensor (optional)
VCR Recorder…………... Hi8 VCR (optional).
GPS Receiver……………
Military P/Y code1 and Civilian C/A
code for accurate air vehicle or target Night Vision Exercise at George AFB,
February, 2001
location.
Auto Navigation…………
Remote Launch………….
AutoLand………………..
Selectable flight modes for Altitude Hold, Waypoint
Navigation, Auto Loiter and Fly-Home Mode. In-flight
programmable waypoints.
Permits hand-off to concealed Ground Control Unit
Vertical, deep stall landing command produces stable
controlled descent for vehicle recovery. Permits recovery in
unimproved locations not accessible to normal skid landing
approach methods.
Loss of Link Fail-Safe…..
Failsafe Power Systems…
Pre-set memory assures safe recovery.
Minimizes range safety issues.
Weather Resistant……….
Operates in freezing conditions and up to 110°F. Tolerates
precipitation and blowing sand/dust up to 25 knots.
Set-up time is less than 5 minutes. No tools are required for
assembly.
Amortized procurement, training,
operation, & maintenance costs.
100 Flights in nominal conditions.
Quick Assembly…………
Very Low Cost…………..
Life Span………………..
Future Enhancements:
Photographic Images……. 35-mm photographic camera (black
& white, color or infrared film).
Volumetric Air Sampler… Airborne filters gather samples for
post-flight substance identification
Vehicle Mount…………... Permits UAV operation from
moving vehicle
1
Must have written approval from USAF JPO.
For additional information please contact: Lisa McKeeman
69 Moreland Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Tel: (805) 581-2187 ext 312 fax: (805) 584-9280 E-mail: mckeeman@aerovironment.com